The novel follows the story of the beautiful and mysterious Countess de Saint-Geran, a woman of noble birth who is forced to flee her home in France after the death of her father. She finds refuge in the court of the King of Naples, where she quickly becomes the object of desire of many of the courtiers. The Countess is soon embroiled in a dangerous game of love and politics, as she is pursued by the King's son, the Duke of Calabria, and the Duke's rival, the Marquis de Montalban. As the two men battle for her affections, the Countess must also contend with the machinations of the court's scheming nobles, who are determined to use her as a pawn in their own political games. The novel follows the Countess as she navigates the treacherous waters of courtly intrigue, and ultimately discovers the truth about her past and her true identity. Along the way, she must make difficult choices between love and duty, and ultimately learns to trust her own heart.
By Alexandre Dumas · First published 1839 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure